Manchester United prospect Matej Kovar was selected in goal for the Red Devils in the friendly match against Lyon.

The Czech goalkeeper is back at Old Trafford after winning the league on loan for Sparta Prague last season.

With David de Gea released, Andre Onana not arrived yet, and both Tom Heaton and Dean Henderson not travelling, Kovar was next in line to start.

It came after an impressive 45 minutes against Leeds last week, in which he looked assured and kept a clean sheet.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24

Manchester United v Olympique Lyonnais - Pre-Season Friendly
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Matej Kovar chance

Matej Kovar lined up in goal from the start against Lyon, this time getting the chance to play with two World Cup winners in front of him, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

MUTV pundit Danny Simpson was impressed by Kovar’s presence, with the growing Czech ace becoming an imposing figure between the sticks.

He told the channel: “Look at the size of him!

“It’s a great opportunity. As a young lad it’s one of the hardest positions to break through. A great chance for him to show the manager.”

What the future holds for Kovar is unclear, with Manchester United also linked with bringing in back-up goalkeeper Zion Suzuki, The Mail report.

It is expected Sparta Prague would be keen to take Kovar back on loan if able to, but a decision will come down to Erik ten Hag, and Kovar’s willingness, or lack-of, to serve as a number two.

Fellow pundit Luke Chadwick added: “What the goalkeeper did incredibly well today, he kept playing out from the back.”

Another successful showing for Kovar

Kovar was the only Manchester United player to feature for 90 minutes, with Ten Hag making 10 changes at half-time. It was a real vote of confidence in him.

Even with Martinez and Varane taken off for Will Fish and a returning Jonny Evans, Kovar was able to keep a clean sheet.

Kovar did assured in everything he did, and passed the ball out well from the back and helping the team to build attacks, completing 92 per cent of his passes.

In the second half he had more to do, and commanded his penalty area well throughout, mopping up attacks and claiming a cross.

Andre Onana is coming in, but in Kovar, it looks like the club have a very able number two long-term, who at 23-years-old, is just getting started.

He was peculiarly not named on the 31-man USA tour squad, which suggests a loan deal could be likely, or he could be travelling separately for the Wrexham game.

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